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Baking Misadventures III: The Search for ScrumPtuOus Canelé caKes

Sentient beings thrive on challenge, and require it in order to grow, live long, and prosper.

Some sentient beings on this board bit off more than they could chew when they decided that they wanted to make canelés, the small cakes that originated in the city of Bordeaux, France. Biting into the project was simple; all it required was some form of mold (preferably copper) and a willingness to bake. Chewing involved juggling a complex equation with questionable roots. Added to the equation was the fact that some of these beings (e.g. me) had never before seen or tasted a canelé, so even if they found what they were looking for, they were unable to recognize it!

Much progress has been made, but the search continues. The search thus far has been documented in two prior threads; this is a continuation, with a brief intro to the principal players. The last thread may be found at:http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7311...

This search would have been in vain were it not for a Starship captain, Pilinut, who can be encountered on her ship, mumbling under her breath, "Five grams of flour more", or, "Out, out, damned wax", among other things. In her quest she has been known to deprive loved ones of an ingredient called moo juice, which is vital to her baking. She has met with much success in her quest.

Assisting the captain is the very able first officer, Trewq. To date she is the only crew member who has achieved perfection in canelé baking. Our fervent hope is that she does not abandon us, so she is being treated with much respect, and handled with kid gloves.

The next baker is Souschef, Chief Engineer, me. I have had some successes and some spectacular failures.

Hopefully soon to join the ranks will be Consultant Cynsa. Devoid of an oven, she relies on her mother to provide heat to cook her nourishment. Her last excuse to not participate will be removed within 48 hours.

We are waiting for Buttertart, Visiting Vulcan Dignitary and Collector of Tomes, to roll up her formidable baking sleeves, and join in the search. Her passion for baking (and tomes) knows no bounds.

Caroline1, our counsellor, has not been heard from in a while. It is rumoured that she is on the Holodeck, exposing herself to art by contemplating the statues in the fountains of Rome.

Chef Chicklet has returned, to the relief of one and all. Her role is as yet undetermined, but she receives an honourable mention as personal thanks in the Chief Engineer's personal log.

Putting in an appearance recently is 'miss Louella', who has been caught up in the mystique and hopes to begin baking after acquiring objects even more elusive than the Beast at Tenagra, i.e. previously-enjoyed canelé molds.

Caitlin McGrath, who is taking a pragmatic approach, and is not having any of this until all the nitty gritties have been worked out. Accordingly, she has been assigned quarters on the wings of the starship.

This classic should be in every Southern woman's repertoire. A moist, delicious Chocolate-Mayonnaise Cake pleases crowds of all ages, and is the perfect dessert to bring to a neighbor, to a potluck, or to a summer party.